Air-Fried Spring Rolls: A Healthy, Crunchy Treat

Air fryer spring rolls are a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-fried spring rolls. They are perfect as a snack, appetiser, or light meal and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Making homemade spring rolls can seem intimidating, but it is actually quite simple and fun! You can use store-bought wonton or spring roll wrappers and fill them with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or tofu. The air fryer also requires less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a cleaner and healthier option.

How to roll spring rolls

Rolling spring rolls can seem intimidating, but it's actually quite easy and fun! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to roll your own spring rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Before you start rolling, make sure your filling is ready and cooled. You can use a variety of ingredients for the filling, such as cooked ground chicken or pork, shredded vegetables (e.g. cabbage, carrots, green onions, mushrooms), and seasonings like garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It's important that the filling is not too moist to prevent soggy spring rolls.

Step 2: Set up your workstation

Get your spring roll wrappers, a small dish of water, and your filling ready on your workstation. You can use rice paper wrappers, wheat spring roll wrappers, or egg roll wrappers, depending on your preference. Rice paper wrappers will need to be soaked in water first, while wheat-based wrappers do not require soaking.

Step 3: Place the filling and roll

Place a wrapper in a diamond shape in front of you. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center, being careful not to overfill. Fold the bottom third of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners to create an envelope shape. Continue rolling tightly from the bottom up, pressing gently to seal. You can use a cornstarch and water mixture to seal the edges if needed.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer and brush with oil

Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F. While it's preheating, brush each spring roll with a thin layer of oil on all sides. This will help ensure crispiness.

Step 5: Cook the spring rolls

Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for the air to circulate. Cook at 380-400°F for 4-15 minutes, depending on the recipe and your air fryer model. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy air-fried spring rolls to enjoy. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce to retain their crispy texture.

Filling ideas and ingredients

There are endless possibilities when it comes to filling ideas and ingredients for spring rolls. You can go for a simple vegetable filling, or get more creative by adding meat, tofu, or even fruit! Here are some specific ideas to get you started:

Vegetables

• Cabbage (napa cabbage, green cabbage)
• Carrots
• Mushrooms (shiitake, portabella, or regular button mushrooms)
• Bean sprouts (mung bean sprouts)
• Green onions
• Onions
• Peppers (bell peppers, jalapeños)
• Avocado
• Cucumber
• Mango

Meat

• Chicken (shredded or ground)
• Pork (shredded or ground)
• Beef (ground)
• Turkey
• Prawns
• Ham
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Egg

Other

• Tofu
• Noodles (rice vermicelli, rice noodles)
• Herbs (basil, mint, cilantro)
• Cheese
• Fruits like banana, strawberry, or apple

Remember, it's important to finely chop or shred your filling ingredients so they cook evenly and fit nicely into your spring roll wrappers. You can also add your favourite seasonings and sauces to flavour your filling. Now go ahead and get rolling!

Cooking methods and temperatures

Air fryer spring rolls are a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-fried spring rolls. They are less messy, use less oil, and still produce a crispy and flavoursome result.

The cooking process is simple:

• Prepare your filling of choice. Many recipes suggest a stir-fried vegetable filling, but you can also add meat or tofu for extra protein.
• Assemble the spring rolls by placing the filling in the wrappers and folding them.
• Brush or spray the spring rolls with oil.
• Place the spring rolls in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
• Cook at around 380°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

The exact temperature and cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of your spring rolls. It is recommended to keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed.

Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes before adding the spring rolls. This can help to ensure a crispier result.

You can also cook frozen spring rolls in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer directly from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Air fryer spring rolls can be served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal. They are best served immediately to retain their crispy texture.

Dipping sauces

Spring rolls are often served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces that will complement the flavours of your air-fried spring rolls:

Sweet Chilli Sauce

A popular choice, sweet chilli sauce is a great option if you want something sweet and spicy. It pairs well with the crispy exterior of the spring rolls and the crunchy vegetables inside.

Hot Mustard Sauce

For those who like their food with a kick, hot mustard sauce is a bold choice. It will add a sharp, spicy flavour to your spring rolls.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a classic condiment for spring rolls. It has a salty, savoury flavour with a hint of sweetness. It's a versatile option that goes well with various fillings, from vegetables to meat.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is another excellent choice for a dipping sauce. It is sweet, savoury, and tangy, with a hint of spice. Hoisin sauce is made from soybeans, giving it a deep, umami flavour that adds a nice depth to your spring rolls.

Peanut Dipping Sauce

A creamy, nutty peanut sauce is a perfect contrast to the crunchy spring rolls. It is sweet and rich, enhancing the flavours of the vegetables.

Vietnamese Fish Sauce (Nuoc Cham)

Vietnamese fish sauce is a classic spring roll condiment. It is sweet and tangy, with bright citrus notes. It is a versatile sauce that can also be used as a vermicelli bowl sauce.

These sauces are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours that suit your taste preferences and the fillings of your spring rolls.

Storing and reheating

Storing Spring Rolls:

• Cooling: Before storing your freshly fried spring rolls, it's essential to let them cool down to room temperature. Storing warm spring rolls will result in trapped steam, leading to sogginess.
• Single Layer Storage: When placing the spring rolls in a container, ensure they are arranged in a single layer. This prevents them from pressing against each other and maintains their crispy exterior. Use parchment paper or damp paper towels to separate layers if needed.
• Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to store your spring rolls. This helps maintain freshness and prevents staleness.
• Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the spring rolls within a day or two, refrigeration is ideal. Store them in the refrigerator after they have cooled down.
• Freezing: If you've made a large batch, freezing is a great option. First, lay the spring rolls in a single layer on a tray and freeze them individually. Once frozen solid, transfer them to zip-lock bags or airtight containers. This ensures they retain their shape and can be stored for up to six months.

Reheating Spring Rolls:

• Air Fryer: Using an air fryer is an excellent way to reheat spring rolls and restore their crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to around 350–380°F (175–190°C). Place the spring rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Reheat for 4–8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
• Non-stick Pan: If you don't have an air fryer, a lightly heated non-stick pan can be used. Arrange the cold spring rolls in a single layer and reheat over low heat for about 3 minutes on each side.
• Oven or Oven Toaster: Preheat your oven or oven toaster to 325°F (190°C). Arrange the cold spring rolls in a single layer on a rack and reheat for about 10 minutes.

Additional Tips:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve your reheated spring rolls with dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, peanut sauce, or spicy mustard to enhance their flavor.
• No Thawing: When reheating frozen spring rolls, there's no need to thaw them first. Place them directly into the air fryer or oven, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Whether using an air fryer or a pan, avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• No Oil Necessary: Air fryers and non-stick pans typically have enough residual oil from the spring rolls themselves, so adding more oil is usually unnecessary.

Frequently asked questions